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The court heard Illidge handed himself in and the warrant was withdrawn.

Prosecutor Julia Longworth said various agencies including the RSPCA, Animal Health officials and North Wales Police mounted a special operation at Holyhead Port on November 15 last year as the smuggling of animals into Britain was becoming “increasingly problematic”.

She said the officers’ attention was drawn to the white van which was sat on the back of a breakdown truck with condensation on its front and side windows.

Ben James Illidge (Image: Arwyn Roberts)

“This indicated to the officers there may be animals inside the vehicle and it was checked,” she said.

Officers found the 35 very young pups in five containers which were concealed in the vehicle. The puppies included terriers, beagles, pomeranians and labradors and there were up to nine in each container.

Puppies were found concealed inside a van

Ms Longworth said: “They were examined by a vet and their ages ranged from six weeks to nine weeks. The vehicle was not suitable for the transport of animals nor had it been adapted to do so.

“There was no ventilation and it was found to be very warm inside – too warm for the proper welfare of the animals.”